#Battleaxe Warriors

[starcaverns]

Amira Melies

A 17 year old drow/tiefling (Mostly drow). She is my backup character for my current pc: Veriaso Melies.

If you couldn't tell they are sisters. She is a 5th level totem warrior barbarian. Also, the bear cloak is meant to look screw up. She did the "taxidermy" herself, its meant to be so scary that it just intimidates her opponents.

If Veriaso ever dies (And its Curse of Strahd so 50% she dies. Though Veriaso is the healer, so maybe not) then Amira will become the next pc.

If you have any questions please ask! (No spoilers for Curse of Strahd please)

[nemtheanga]

I don’t have a tall blond dumbass (affectionate) to romance in Veilguard so you best bet that my Rook is gonna be a biggest dumbest blond Thedas has ever seen.

Grimnir, Rook to his friends (pretty much everyone), is always down for three things: a good drink, a good story, and a good fight. A Warden for the last 9 years, his cheerfulness is only sometimes a cover for some of the shit he’s seen. With the kind of face that people sorta just like to talk to, he’s usually the one that scouts in taverns and markets looking for information. Which is probably how he met Varric. Varric would be catnip to this man. Rook would take one look at him across a bar and decide on the spot this dude was his new best friend.

Harding he’d adore, probably more like a sibling but lbr all bets are off with this game, and Taash would delight him to no end given some of the wild shit she must have gotten up to.

I can see him finding Neve a bit too serious to start with until he gets into the swing of her personality, whilst he’s probably run into a few Crows and takes Lucanis’ single-minded work ethic in his stride, probably giving him some good natured needling from out of dagger range. Once he’s comfortable with them, and them with him, he wouldn’t think twice about tossing them over his shoulder to get them to stop working so hard.

Emmrich would be a bit intimidating at first but Rook’s endlessly curious about all sorts so he’s a good audience for well-intentioned infodumping and Manfred would just be the coolest thing in the world once he gets over the surprise of a walking skeleton that isn’t trying to kill him. Bellara would be the same—he’ll happily sit and clean his weapons or take notes for her as she pokes and prods at some new device or artefact they’d found.

Davrin would be a Buddy on sight. Sure, no small part of it is to do with the sense of Duty and Purpose amongst Wardens but they both have a love of adventure and revel in the thrill of a hunt. Rook’s got an unserious edge to him and I could see his tendency to deal with things through humour grating sometimes but they’re mostly coming at the same thing from two different angles.

I have no idea who he’d romance, like, I could see the potential in everyone. I’m leaning towards Lucanis at the moment because they fit the black cat/golden retriever vibe and I am absolutely consumed with the idea of Lucanis, finally exhausted enough to let his guard down, falling asleep on this absolute mountain of a man who now won’t move for several hours because holy shit.

Ultimately, though, someone like Varric is gonna know that you gotta set a trickster to catch a trickster and, as the resident Trickster Guy, I am gonna have so much fucking fun with Rook.

[hcollazo2000]

Conan inspired by Rob de la Torre. Inks on paper

[heroineimages]

Stumbled back across this and reblogging because I'm still charmed by the idea of a semi-historical about a Byzantine empress with her own bodyguard of Varangian shieldmaiden girlfriends.

by baccheuo

[mothgirlpanties]

@barbarian-lesbian

To be the royal advisor to the princess as your barbarian army takes the castle...

To be forced to watch as my liegelady is paraded before your conquering army, wearing naught but her crown and jewelry, before coming to kneel before the woman who took her throne. Your legs spread wide, throbbing womanhood glistening with battle-sweat- my princess sways for a moment, overtaken by the scent...

She eventually returns to herself, and hesitantly plants a kiss at the base of your shaft. It is followed by another, then a tentative lick.

Her minstrations are... clumsy at best, and your amusement slowly fades into boredom.

My heart clenches in fear for my lady, and I find within me the resolve to step forward, hands deftly unbuttoning my coat.

Your warriors move to stop me, but hesitate as I toss aside my jacket and begin on my shirt. I stride past them and approach the dais, shucking what remained of my outerwear.

You reach for the battleaxe that rests against what is now your throne, but make no further moves as I kick off my shoes and ascend the steps. I am unashamed in my nudity, for I refuse any dignity that my liegelady is denied. I fall into a low bow, her crest dangling before my chest as I approach the throne.

"Apologies for the intrusion," I simper, "but I am sworn to aid the princess in all her endeavors."

I come to a stop and kneel beside my liegelady; to her right and a half-pace behind, exactly where I belong.

Your scent is intoxicating, even from here, but I have a duty to uphold. I take a moment to gaze into my princess' eyes, musk-drunk and lustful as they are. "I am with you, my lady," I whisper to her. I place a loving hand on the back of her head, and gently push her down onto your cock.

[cheesesandwichsanto]

He knew …

Summary: Reader and Sihtric met in Dunholm after Uhtred’s banishment from Wessex

Pairing: Sihtric x f!reader

Warnings: none

Word Count: ~800

Please have mercy, it is my first story. If you enjoy the story; likes, reblogs and comments are really appreciated 🖤

Proof-read by my friend @witchezandwonderz 🖤

Click here for Part II

He knew that she was a Dane, and that she belonged to Bloodhair’s people.

He knew she was a fierce and brave warrior, having seen her sparring.

He knew she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, as he admired her from afar—wearing her leather armour that hugged her figure perfectly, her battleaxe hanging at her hip, and her long braided hair.

He knew she was watching him from across the inner courtyard of Dunholm, where he sat on a bench with his three friends.

He knew she was close with Brida. He saw her whisper something in her ear that made her smile, before locking eyes with him again. He felt his face turn bright red.

He knew they were talking about him.

Then she stood, walking to the middle of the courtyard before stopping and watching Sihtric closely.

He knew he was not the only one who noticed, as Finan mumbled to him, “Sihtric, I think she wants you to follow her…”

He knew she was up to something when she nodded in the direction she wanted him to follow. He walked behind her through the corridors, asking a few times where they were heading, but never received an answer.

She stopped in front of a wooden door, opened it and gestured for Sihtric to enter.

„I‘ve noticed you since the day you arrived here, Sihtric“ she said, tracing his jawline with her tattoed finger. Her voice was as sweet as honey in his ears. He gulped.

„How do you know my name?“ he asked.

„I know a lot of things… I am y/n by the way“ she smiled.

„What do you want from me?“ he asked further. „What I want? I want you Sihtric…“ she said, before steping closer and kissing him softly.

He knew he was falling for her, and it was over for him. Her voice, her eyes, - she was just too much to handle. He was falling for her charm, and she knew it.

He knew, when he kissed her and made love to her in that tiny, dimly lit chamber, that it was a mistake.

He knew he had his loyal wife waiting in Wessex for his return.

But how could it be a mistake, when he felt nothing but love?

He knew that after the few times they had met in secret, he had to put an end to it.

But every time, he fell for her again and again. He simply could not resist.

He loved looking into her eyes, he loved her messy braided ponytail after they made love, the feeling of her smooth skin beneath his fingertips and when she looked up at him and smiled.

He knew, when he arrived at the Great Hall that evening-the one that was supposed to be his last in Dunholm-that something was off.

The atmosphere between his Lord and Sigurd Bloodhair was tense. Bloodhair ranted about how Uhtred was still Alfred’s dog, even after being banned, that he was not truly one of them, and how Skade was still his woman. Enraged, Bloodhair stood to go after Uhtred.

What Sihtric saw, and did not like, was Y/N trying to hold Bloodhair back, whispering, “Father, don’t.”

But it was not quiet enough. He heard it.

He felt stupid. He had thought she was just a woman, just one of his shieldmaidens—but being the (now) enemy’s daughter was something else entirely.

He just stood there, feeling nothing but guilt.

In those moments with her, he had forgotten about his wife, and that there was never a possible future with Bloodhair‘s daughter.

His heart slowly fell apart.

That night, as he lay awake, he thought about the short time he had spent with her in Dunholm and how he had even considered leaving his wife for her before he found out whose daughter she was.

The next day arrived quickly.

The fight between Lord Uhtred and Sigurd Bloodhair was about to begin. She could never understand why her father would do anything for that witch Skade when it was clear that Skade did not want to be with him but rather with Lord Uhtred. She could not bear to watch them fight, too afraid to see her dear father possibly die.

After Ragnar intervened, telling Uhtred to take Skade and leave, they all packed their belongings onto their horses, ready to ride out to rescue the little princess.

She stood at the front when Lord Uhtred and his fellowship set out for their journey.

Sihtric and she locked eyes, staring for a long while before he turned away and rode off. Completely oblivious to the way she placed a hand on her still flat belly…

[persephoneggsy]

Phryne Ingellvar Banter

writing full fics is still kind of exhausting to me, so I've taken to writing fake banters for my Mourn Watch Rook, Phryne Ingellvar. Most of them are with Emmrich, because he's her romance, but maybe I'll eventually expand on her relationships with the other members of the Veilguard. A lot of this is mostly bits and bobs from Phryne's backstory.

*

[During Emmrich's recruitment quest, as they’re traversing through the Necropolis]

Emmrich: Surely we’ve crossed paths before, Rook? It seems bizarre that we’ve both been Watchers for so long and never interacted. I swear the name Ingellvar sounds familiar…

Phryne: Well, I mostly did grunt work. Escorts for trainees entering the Necropolis for the first time, protecting mourners visiting the graves. That sort of thing. Probably not what you spent most of your time doing.

Emmrich: Ah, I see. Still…

Phryne: Though we have met before.

Emmrich: Oh? I’m sorry, I can’t recall…

Phryne: Don’t worry about it, Professor. It was almost a decade ago, and it was brief.

Emmrich: Well, you remembered. I hope I made a good first impression, at least?

Phryne: I don’t think you’re capable of leaving a bad one, from what I’ve seen so far.

Harding: Um, sorry to interrupt, but can we maybe focus on the horde of despair demons charging at us right now?

Phryne & Emmrich: Spirits!

Harding: Whatever!

*

[When Phryne goes to see how Emmrich is settling in]

Emmrich: When did we meet, Rook? It’s been driving me mad.

Phryne: Oh, alright. It was at a funeral. My son’s. You administered his final rites and prepared his body for burial.

Emmrich: Oh! Of course. I remember now.

Phryne: Really? It was so long ago, and I’m sure you’ve performed dozens of final rites over the years. I wouldn’t be upset if you couldn’t recall…

Emmrich: Not many Nevarrans left to join the Inquisition. It was seen as a primarily “southern” concern, despite the danger it posed to all of Thedas. I remember thinking that young Rothe Ingellvar must have been a fine young man, to give his life for such a cause. 

Phryne: He was. 

Emmrich: I’m sure I said it back then, but my condolences, Rook. 

Phryne: Thank you, Emmrich. 

*

Emmrich: I’ve been wondering something, Rook. If you don’t mind a personal question. 

Phryne: Ask away. 

Emmrich: We’ve been in the Mourn Watch for almost the same number of years. You’re an incredible warrior, a natural born leader, and every other Watcher I’ve asked has nothing but wonderful things to say about you. 

Phryne: Aw. Thanks. But… what’s the question?

Emmrich: By all accounts, you should be extremely high up in the ranks. But by your own admission, you’re just “a grunt.” Why haven’t you been promoted?

Phryne: Ah. Well. They tried, at first. But I joined the Watch after I had my kids, so they were my priority. Promotions meant more responsibility, more responsibility meant more time away from them. And then, after rejecting promotions for years, they finally stopped trying. Happily been a grunt ever since. 

Emmrich: I suppose I can understand that. But wouldn’t a promotion also mean more money with which to support your family?

Phryne: My mother left me with her estate when she passed. We were always comfortable. I just wanted as much time with my kids as possible. 

Emmrich: That’s very admirable. 

Phryne: Really? Mother always said my lack of ambition was my fatal flaw. 

Emmrich: I think love for one’s family outweighs that. 

*

Emmrich: The Battleaxe!

Phryne: Sorry?

Emmrich: Your surname, Ingellvar — it’s been nagging at me, but I finally remember where I’ve heard it before! Your mother was Prudence Ingellvar, the Battleaxe!

Phryne: Oh! (Laughs) I forgot they used to call her that. Yeah, that was my mother. You knew her?

Emmrich: I’m afraid I never had the good fortune, but I knew her reputation. A staunch traditionalist, to be sure, but such exemplary understanding of anatomy and theory! Her essay on both magical and mundane methods of preserving vital organs was quite innovative!

Phryne: Oh, she would’ve adored you. 

*

[After revisiting the Necropolis for the first time and speaking with Myrna and Vorgoth]

Emmrich: Phryne?

Phryne: Yes?

Emmrich: Just making sure I heard correctly. Back at the Necropolis, Myrna called you ‘Phryne’ rather than ‘Rook’. Is that your given name?

Phryne: Oh, it is. Rook is a… recent nickname. Varric started calling me that after we met. Something about chess pieces.

Emmrich: What would you prefer to be called?

Phryne: Rook is probably easier. No one could ever pronounce Phryne right when I was younger. The number of times I was called ‘Frine’ or ‘Fern’...

Emmrich: (laughs) A shame. It’s a lovely name.

Phryne: Well. I like it when you say it.

Emmrich: Very well. Phryne.

*

[During their first date]

Phryne: This is one of the more romantic dates I’ve been on. 

Emmrich: How wonderful! I was afraid I’d lost my touch. Between work and research and teaching Manfred, there hasn’t been time lately for company. 

Phryne: I know what you mean. 

Emmrich: Do you?

Phryne: Well, I spent the last year or so hunting down Solas. Not a lot of time for courting. And even before that, I’d… sort of given up on romance. 

Emmrich: Oh. May I ask why?

Phryne: Dating’s hard with kids. I always had someone willing to look after them if I had plans for the evening, but a lot of the time, people were put off by the fact that I even had children. Or the kids would hate them for whatever reason. Or things would work out for a while before fizzling out. So I stopped focusing on relationships and just focused on… the physical side of things. 

Emmrich: I see…

Phryne: Does that… bother you? My ‘experience’? I know some people find it unladylike. 

Emmrich: My dear, I would never hold your past against you. I’m only marveling at my good fortune, to be the one to show you how a proper courtship works. 

Phryne: Ooh. Bold words, Volkarin. Are you sure you have the skills to back up that confidence?

Emmrich: You’re not the only one with experience, darling. 

*

[After Harding asking about whether Emmrich is a noble]

Harding: So you’re really not nobility? Volkarin just sounds so… fancy. 

Emmrich: It’s a commoner’s name. My father was a butcher and my mother was a cook. If you want to speak to Nevarran nobility, you could always ask Rook. 

Harding: (laughs) Right. 

Emmrich: …

Harding: … Wait, really? Rook is a noble?

Phryne: You don’t need to sound so surprised. 

Harding: It’s just… you don’t really act like…

Phryne: To my mother’s chagrin, I know. But in my defense, I was adopted. 

Emmrich: Oh, truly? I hadn’t known that. 

Phryne: Mother and a few of our undead found me in an abandoned crypt when I was just an infant. She took me in, raised me as her own. 

Emmrich: How sweet! I’d heard one of our own was a cryptling, I had no idea it was you!

Harding: … You were found in a tomb? As a baby?

Emmrich: That isn’t so unusual in Nevarra. Many Watchers see them as an omen!

Phryne: Whether I was a good or bad omen depended on if I took a nap that day. According to my mother. 

Harding: … Nevarrans are so weird. 

[heroineimages]

Majestic!

Boar hunter by jaemin kim

[dungeon-strugglers]

✨New item!✨ Battleaxe of the Relentless Warrior Weapon (battleaxe), rare (requires attunement)

This ancient battleaxe is chipped and worn from countless battles, yet it feels sturdy enough for many more. You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this magic weapon.

If you are reduced to 0 hit points while you are wielding this axe, you can use your reaction to immediately make one melee attack with the axe against a creature within reach before you fall unconscious. If the attack hits, you regain hit points equal to the damage dealt. Once this property occurs, it cannot occur again until the next dawn.

Has it been days, weeks, or months since the battle began? The sky chokes with smoke, and the only source of light is from fires raging out of control. Time is a distant memory.  You hack into a foe, striking it down. Before it dies, another is pushed into the open patch of mud. Not a mud of water and earth, but a crimson slurry that clings to your aching legs. This one’s wild eyes are just as tireless as yours, and it moves with adrenaline-drenched vigor. You exchange blows for an eternity before the crowd undulates, and a new foe emerges.  Beyond exhaustion, beyond pain, beyond death itself, you fight. - 🖌🎨 Like our work? Consider supporting us on Patreon and gain access to the hi-resolution art for almost 200 magic items (wow!), printable item cards and card packs, beautiful creature art and stat blocks, and setting pdfs with narrative hooks and unique lore!🧙‍♂️ Thank you so much for your support! 💖

📜 Credit. Art and design by us: the Dungeon Strugglers. Please credit us if you repost elsewhere.

[the-ampersand]

I just watched a video disparaging the weapon mastery rules of dnd 5.5. The main point of the complain was that if a character can change its masteries every long rest, then that's no mastery at all. There's narrative friction when you set up your character as a warrior that has mastered the ways of the halberd and, at the same time, after a good night's sleep the character suddenly can suddenly become an estoc expert.

The author correctly pointed out that's, as it is usually the case with dnd, a problem of the undefined identity of the game. Both wanting to be fantastically epic and also connecting with its old dungeoneering roots. You can just change your weapon mastery at a whim because you can get any kind of weapon from a random loot table (an element of old school games) and you want your epic blorbos to be able to use their cool toys and be as epic as possible (an element of what is now known as trad games).

I can agree with that.

BUT

After this point the author went on a tirade about how random loot tables are lazy and imply an adversarial relationship between players and gm that really left me baffled. They said these tables were a way for the gm to avoid tailoring proper loot for their players, lazily referring to a roll and a table instead of caring about what would actually be useful for the characters.

Which can be true, but if and only if you play ttrpgs in a very particular way (a very traditional way). But random loot tables can be pretty cool, I believe, for two reasons.

First, random loot tables should be tailored to a certain place and maybe even to a certain kind of enemy. If that's the case, they are awesome tools to develop a location or enemy. What you find lying around in a dungeon or being carried by its denizens can tell you a lot about the place's history and its dangers.

In a volcanic grotto infested with salamanders you find burnt stuff and a lot of salamanders eggs. You probably won't find a fiery battleaxe because why would a bunch of salamanders do that. But when you also find shiny and opalescent scales when you fell some of the salamanders you might start considering there's something else to the critters larger than usual size. You won't find a fiery sword there because why would a firebreathing lizard want one of those.

In the abandoned sack of a courier you might find an old pile of letters that you can't make much sense of. But they seem to be important and someone might be looking for one of these letters. There surely won't be a fiery sword here, but there's a love letter that looks important and written in expensive paper, you can safely assume it was from a noble.

But why should it be random? If it is an important plot point, why not just give that piece of information directly and without a roll?

Well, that brings me to my second point: random loot tables can shape the narrative. A result in a random table (loot or otherwise) can completely shift the perspective of an enemy, a room, a dungeon or a whole narrative. Those opalescent scales can be woven into some sort of magical ailment affecting the damned lizards of the grotto. But if the result was instead a heavy gold chain, now the critters may be the beloved pets of a pyromancer that has their home just a bit deeper into the volcano.

Or, what at first can appear to be a silly little trinket like the love letter you found in the courier's sack can become the way to get out of a very tense situation between your group and a small troop of soldiers that just happened to be exploring the same ruins you were. Apparently the captain only get into the army because they never got the love declaration of their paramour that you are now holding in you bag. A perfect way to make them disinterested in getting your head.

Of course all of this can also be just prewritten. But, in my opinion, one of the strenghts of ttrpgs as a medium is the emergent and collaborative storytelling. The ability of a game of being able to tell stories no one would have predicted when they sat at the table. Not even the gm behind all their notes and preparation. Gms deserve to be surprised too. Both by their players and by the module, setting and/or game they are playing. That can only happen if there's room for chance.

So, yeah. You can use the random loot tables just as inspiration for your game. Tailoring every piece of loot and every detail to tell the story you want and to make your players feel empowered in a way that fits the narrative you have set up. And that's fine.

But that's not the only way to play and certainly not the best either. And saying that a random table is lazy feels like a lack of perspective. Specially when weaving the result of a random roll into the narrative can be quite challenging but just as much rewarding.

There are philosophies of play other than that found on traditional ttrpgs and it makes me sad to see them thrown under the rug or being painted as lesser than.

[jhamkul]

Axe of the Grand Performer (battleaxe), Rare (requires attunement by a Barbarian)

✨Post made in collaboration with @camunonz ✨

I couldn't finish this subclass that has been so inspired by Draven without it having his famous spinning axes, so if you want your barbarian to be attacking a bit from a distance, this axe will suit that playstyle perfectly, you will be able to benefit from rage too! Forged for champions of arenas throughout the continent who are as much performers as they are warriors. This ornate, curved battleaxe made of steel shines when being thrown, trailing echoes of the crowd's roar as it slices through enemies while it spins in the air.

—————

Thank you very much for checking out this new creation! If you want to see more of my content, feel free to visit my Instagram, where I ask for advice, post teasers, and you can vote for my future posts.

[apollyonarts]

I feel like in remembering those who came before us we must remember the reason the trans community is still alive is with continued for the people of the past. I thought about the fact that armor is gender neutral garment (even though knighthood is associated with masculinity), it allows for gnc / trans / queer expression (historically, Joan of Arc being a rather obvious example) - A trans person feeling safer in their suit of armor rather than their clearly gendered garments - being protected literally from physical danger and metaphorically from the expectations of the world and expected to play the role of "protector" rather than "man" or "woman" and at the same time being strong enough to fight back against those who wish to hurt them. Not everyone is able to become a warrior, its up to those who can fight to help those who cant, community is the only thing we have, armies, people united are strong, separated they're weak. Support your trans community members. [Image ID: A digital illustration of a transmasculine and transfeminine in light and heavy armor respectively, both are wearing helmets emblazoned with a heart with a feather, they have the color schemes of the transmasculine flag and transfeminine flag. The transmasc is holding a giant blue sword and the transfem is holding a giant pink battleaxe in one hand and putting the other on her hip, each is wearing a pride flag (transmasc and transfem respectively) around their neck. They are situated on a light blue backround. End ID.]

[dragonologist-phd]

Introducing: Marja Aeducan

In Summary:

Grey Warden, Commander of the Grey, Arlessa of Amaranthine, Paragon

Noble Dwarf

Warrior (Champion/Berserker)

Main Weapon: Two-Handed Battleaxe

Commanding; Decisive; Perfectionist; Honorable

Relevant Fic: Of Diamonds And Dust, Shapes in the Silence

more rambling:

Origin:

Endrin's golden child with open ambitions for the throne

She earned the respect and admiration of many through her skill with both military and diplomatic strategies. Despite this, she had few real friends; Gorim and Bhelen were the only people she truly trusted

Her main hindrance was that she does deeply believe in Orzammar's values and system of honor. She considers breaking that honor to be an action borne of weakness and a betrayal of the Ancestors, and holds herself to high standards even when others don't

As such, she refused to kill Trian and was devastated that everyone was so quick to believe she did. She vowed to return, reveal the truth, and take her rightful place as queen

She became a Warden alongside Darvis Brosca, who was recruited by Duncan at the same time

Major Choices:

Negotiated peace with Dalish and werewolves

Allowed Isolde to sacrifice herself for the good of Redcliffe

Saved the mages at the Circle

Defiled the Ashes of Andraste (long story)

Destroyed the Anvil and, after much strife, crowned Bhelen king of Orzammar (again, long story)

Allowed Alistair to duel and kill Loghain at the Landsmeet. Placed Anora on the throne alone

Would have sacrificed herself to the archdemon, had Darvis not performed the Dark Ritual with Morrigan

Party Dynamics:

Best friends with Alistair. They clicked immediately; he was relieved and reassured to have someone so decisive take the lead after Ostagar, and she was endeared (and occasionally baffled) by his sincere support and friendship

Grew fond of Sten over time. They got off on the wrong foot, but eventually learned to communicate better and realized they had a lot in common

Thinks Shale is the coolest and peppered it constantly with questions it couldn't remember the answers to. Shale was annoyed occasionally, but also flattered

Her friendship with Oghren can be complicated, but he understands her conflicting feelings toward Orzammar like few can. They've both been betrayed by their Caste, they both feel indebted to their society despite that, and they both resist talking about those feelings and end up drinking together about them instead

If I talk about Darvis we'll be here all day but suffice to say they hated each other at first, then with time and growth on both their parts formed a very strong bond. They're narrative foils; they're reluctant friends; they're ride-or-die comrades; they're in-laws. They're everything to me

Romance:

Has a genuinely sweet romance with Leliana, whose own complicated past with politics and court life gives her insight to Marja's conflict; Marja, in turn, finds Leliana's ability to find beauty in the world inspiring

Unfortunately, some of the beliefs they hold can't be reconciled, and eventually put strain on their relationship. When Marja's desecration of the ashes at Haven is revealed, they break up for good

Despite resolutions to forgo romance afterwards, she finds herself charmed by Sigrun's cheerful pragmatism and determination, and the two begin an informal relationship

Epilogue:

She survives her encounter with the archdemon, but is left with aftereffects; these mainly manifest as chronic pain and a heightened sensitivity to the Blight. Due to her chronic pain and the resulting exhaustion on her body, she takes to using a cane to get around

Becomes Arlessa of Amaranthine and commands the Fereldan Wardens from a strategic role, while Solenne Kader is sent from Orlais to act as commander in the field

Her Calling begins early, and she begins making arrangements for her last mission. Alistair and Sigrun manage to convince her to quest for a cure instead. She and Sigrun leave together on this quest, and haven't been seen since

Misc:

She acquires an interest in herbalism while on the surface, and keeps a book of dried flowers and plants she's collected

Despite being raised in luxury, she'll choose practicality over fashion every time, and doesn't really miss the jewels and trinkets she acquired as a Noble. What she does miss are the luxurious hot baths powered by the lava pools of Orzammar

While she always kind of knew she was a lesbian, she never acted on it due to the social pressures in Orzammar over having children. Her time on the surface during the Blight was the first time she was really able to explore her sexuality and general gender presentation, and it was a lot to wrap her head around

Although she doesn't have or want children of her own, she is the Cool Aunt to no less than four kids (Kieran, Gorim's kid, Oghren's kid, and Baby Endrin)

The game mabari imprinted on Darvis rather than her; howeever, during the Awakening era, Anora gifts her a mabari puppy which she names Astyth

Shortly after her reunion with Gorim in Denerim, she has an identity crisis and indulged in one of my favorite tropes, the Dramatic Character Moment Haircut (before and after pictured below)

[hcollazo2000]

Conan in gouache and pastels.

[heroineimages]

Huge Darkest Dungeon vibes from this one...

Viking Commission by terkmc

[petermorwood]

In reaction to this post, @irlactualwizard wrote:

This is beautiful. On the note about maces and the like, they're traditionally horseback weaponry. I'm unsure of the usefulness or practicality of a dagger tucked away in a weapon primarily used from 'higher ground' or where CQC wouldn't be common. I mean, fall off the horse, drop the mace and draw the saber or katar. Although, redundancy is what keeps humans alive. It does strike me as odd that they wouldn't have shoved an extra weapon in just for the niche.

That notion of dropping the mace then drawing something else with longer (or for really close quarters, shorter) reach is something which may well have happened, though not just because it was an exclusively cavalry weapon. All the other weapons were also used from horseback, and in one instance its original Indo-Persian name is pretty specific about equestrian origins.

The zaghnal, that wicked pick-axe thing...

(yup, there's a dagger...)

...has a European equivalent called a "horseman's pick" and supposedly copied from Ottoman weapons which would have been zaghnal-shaped; this one is Polish or Hungarian...

The hatchet-knife bhuj was - per Wikipedia, Bygone Blades and Oriental Arms - a popular weapon with the Gujarati and Sindhi cavalry, who also wore a distinctive style of full armour...

(yup, there's a dagger)

(This time there's a gun, and probably a dagger too because why not?)

Most conclusively, the proper name for Indo-Persian battleaxes is tabar / tabarzin, which means "saddle-axe".

These included some of the few real-life examples of double-headed battleaxes (with daggers, but of course...)

Though popular in fantasy art, IRL usual practice was to have an axe on one side and something different like a hammer or pick on the other side in case the axe wasn't effective enough against whatever kind of armour the opponent was wearing.

And of course even single-headed axes often had the usual dagger tucked away.

Here's yet another with a sword-hilt (also possibly a dagger) and a built-in matchlock gun...

And here's one where some warrior just couldn't make up his mind.

Here's a mace with a similar (khanda broadsword) hilt:

I took a close look at various mace-pics I've posted (here and here), something I should have done before, then searched further on-line, and I'm starting to think they had no daggers because mostly their hafts were solid rather than hollow...

Thanks go to @irlactualwizard for prompting me to track down an answer to my own question - though I'll be waiting for someone who knows far more about Indian weapons to correct me. :-P

Finally, here's a display case showing three more maces, a couple of the double- (here triple-) -bladed daggers called haladie, and a few examples of what Indian weaponsmiths could do with the basic concept of a sword blade...

...including making use of a European hilt, top row second left. Its blade may have been mounted on an Indian khanda or talwar hilt, which happened often enough to create a whole class of "firangi" (Frankish) swords.

There are many more pics on my blog and elsewhere. Once again, for fantasy edged-weapon inspirations, India is a great place to start...

:->